BH Live, in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, is celebrating helping more individuals affected by Parkinson’s get active in a fun and social way.
Parkinson’s UK were awarded a funding boost of £1,500 from their Physical Activity Grants programme in 2024 to help BH Live start the new classes.
Sessions launched at BH Live Active Littledown in January 2025. They are designed to challenge many of the problem areas associated with Parkinson’s, including balance, muscle strength and coordination. More than 30 people from across the local community have participated in the sessions since their launch.
Developed with the latest research from Parkinson’s UK in mind, the sessions follow a series of exercises to improve participants’ strength, mobility and confidence. Exercises are designed to be performed with large, exaggerated movements at a quick pace, aiming to retrain muscles and slow symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.
People who have taken part so far shared;
“The PD Challenge class at the Littledown is both challenging and fun… the BH Live Active team has nurtured a vital sense of enthusiasm and great team spirit amongst both participants and their supporters.”
“The class is alive with excitement and happy faces, yet you’re still being pushed, encouraged and motivated.”
“I absolutely love the class. There’s no embarrassment as we’re all in the same boat and it’s good to chat to others about their ‘Parky’ journey.”
The first session is free to take part, with subsequent classes charged at a subsidised rate of £2.50 per person. All ages and abilities are welcome to come along and take part, and relatives, carers, and other supporters are also welcome to watch or join in as well.
One family member shared;
“The class is amazing. I never thought my Dad would join a Parkinson’s class, but he turns up every week and has given it a go. Thank you for putting on this class and helping people with Parkinson’s meet others in the same situation.”
BH Live is proud of the uptake and progress of these sessions.
Littledown is owned by BCP Council and is managed and operated in partnership with BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise.
Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live runs BH Live’s diverse programme of health and wellbeing activities across the BCP region to encourage more people into physical activity. She said;
“It has been my absolute pleasure to work with this group over the past three months. The participants are all very motivated to do what they can to improve their strength and confidence. These sessions are designed to allow participants to work at their own pace, meaning we can support individuals of all abilities. The community spirit, fostered by the group, has been vital to the success of PD Challenge.”
On behalf of Parkinson’s UK, Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive, shared;
“We are delighted to see so many physical activity sessions happening across the UK to help celebrate the Parkinson’s community, carers and activity providers for World Parkinson’s Day. It’s fantastic to see so many different physical activity and wellbeing classes, such as BH Live, running at a national and regional level. I would definitely encourage anyone who can get active with Parkinson’s to give it a try.”
Alongside Parkinson’s UK’s helpline and website, these regular in-person, support activities offer a local lifeline to people at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey, twelve months of the year.
For more information about BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities, or get in touch at communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.